Monday, 20 July 2015

Exploring Northern Spitsbergen

Today we made two landings in the northern fjords that
indent the north facing coast of the island of Spitsbergen. Our first stop was
at southern end of fjord named Liefdefforden. Here the FRAM anchored and we
divided into three groups. The hardiest of us joined the substantial hike that
climbed more than 625m or 2062ft to the top of a peak just west of our
anchoring site. The intermediate group went kayaking for 3 hours along the
coast of the fjord. The remainders, those who preferred an easier start to their
day, were able to cruise and enjoy the area from the comfortable seats in the
10 passenger Polarcirkle boats. We cruised past the front of the large glacier
that discharges into the fjord. This glacier, Monacobreen, is named after Duke
Albert I of Monaco. The Duke mapped this area in 1906/1907 on one of his many
expeditions to Spitsbergen. It is the second largest glacier in Svalbard and
the area is noted for its beauty. The Duke later became the Prince of Monaco and
the current prince is a direct descendent.

Our second landing was at a smaller fjord named Bockfjorden.
As the sunny afternoon evolved into a sunny evening we went ashore and climbed
a bit to one sites of the hot springs. At this site, today, the hot springs
were barely a trickle though the whitish calcite rocks around the small dome
suggested that at times the springs must be more active with a larger outflow
of geothermal calcite rich water. No matter as geologically this site is
important it is the most recent volcanic activity known in Svalbard.

Our dinner was later this evening but as we finished
dessert, beluga whales

started blowing and breaching and we could see them from
the dining room windows.

The evening closed with a drive-by of Moffen. This
islet is just north of 80° North Latitude and is the northernmost point most of
us have ever reached. The islet has a large orange navigation marker and around
this marker were many walrus. The big animals were so closely packed that from
the FRAM we could not tell if there were 25 or more than 50 animals.

MV FRAM is the most modern expedition cruise vessel belonging to the Hurtigrutenfleet, roaming polar waters and taking people to remote places where only few go. In order to give you the chance to travel with us, even if only on your computer screen, we have created this blog. Here you can see what we have seen and read what we have done.

MV FRAM's voyage is followed by

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The expedition team consists of lecturers and guides from various fields and backgrounds such as ornithology, mammalogy, history, and geology, ready to tackle all your questions. Together with the fabulous Fram officers and crew we make your time on board REALLY worthwhile!